Touvabien: a new-generation bistro at the foot of the Pantheon

Just a stone’s throw from the Panthéon, a bistro is the talk of the town: Le Touvabien. Not for its trendy decor or Instagrammable dishes. But for what it embodies: a return to the real thing.

Touvabien: more than a bistro, a manifesto

Matteo Gueniche (25) and Romain Rivalant (26), two cousins with complementary backgrounds, have taken over a neighborhood bistro in the 5th arrondissement, at the now unmissable address of 8, rue d’Ulm. Their ambition? To give the bistro back its soul: that of the counter, of spontaneous conversation, of human warmth.

In the kitchen, Gaspard Narcy, an inspired young chef, turns bistro classics – eggs mayo, pâté en croûte, tartare, croque – into simple, straightforward yet meticulous locavore cuisine. In the cellar, a selection of lively wines keeps pace with the seasons and extends the experience.

A changing vision of the business

In a hyper-competitive sector, Matteo and Romain are betting on timelessness. Their recipe? A blend ofauthenticity, consistency and sincere presence. “A good dish is forgotten if it’s badly served. A smile stays with you,” Matteo sums up. More than a restaurant, Touvabien is a place where you feel good. And it’s this extra soul that builds loyalty.

Youth, risk and instinct

While 2025 is not the most auspicious year to open a restaurant – inflation, charges, market saturation – the two cousins dare. Not a flashy concept, but an embodied address, shaped by their travels, their experiences, and their desire to create a lively place, both rooted and open.

Touvabien is proof that it’s possible to do things simply, well and profoundly right. At a time when the restaurant business is looking for a new direction, this bistro could well become a model to follow.

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